What Is A Midwife?
A midwife has been internationally defined as "...[having] acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practice midwifery. She must be able to give the necessary supervision, care and advice to women during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period, to conduct deliveries on her own responsibility and to care for the newborn infant...She has an important task in health counseling and education, not only for the patients, but also within the family and community...She may practice in hospitals, clinics, health units, domiciliary conditions, or in any other service."
A midwife should be an expert on normal birth. She should it as a healthy event in your life and be there for support and advice. She will respect the significance that birth has within your family, understand that your needs are unique, and ensure that each decision is your own. Health care will be given throughout pregnancy and after birth, with focus on prevention and using technology appropriately, to the extent that makes you feel comfortable. In addition, it is very important for the midwife to understand psychology and its importance in the birthing process.
Continuous care is given by one midwife so that a relationship may form between you. In most cases, this midwife will be on call during the time surrounding your expected date of delivery, give you support during labour, and assist you in giving birth. There will be a second midwife attending in your final stages of labour as support for the primary midwife. Visits during your pregnancy will be done at your home or community setting and you will give birth in the setting of your choice.
It is the midwife's duty to educate you with the information you need to make decisions about your care. She will then respect your decision, allowing you to feel in control.
